U.S. patent application number 13/942368 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for gaming system with preview.
The applicant listed for this patent is William Taylor. Invention is credited to William Taylor.
Application Number | 20140206424 13/942368 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51208104 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140206424 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; William |
July 24, 2014 |
GAMING SYSTEM WITH PREVIEW
Abstract
A gaming system having a game such as 5-Card Draw Poker is
disclosed. An initial 5-card hand is dealt and 1 or more possible
replacement cards are displayed for each deal card position. If the
player chooses to discard one or more dealt cards, each is replaced
from an associated set of possible replacement cards. The player
makes hold and discard selections with more perfect knowledge of
which replacement cards may be drawn at each deal card
position.
Inventors: |
Taylor; William; (Evergreen,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Taylor; William |
Evergreen |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51208104 |
Appl. No.: |
13/942368 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61734995 |
Dec 8, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3293 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/13 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a gaming system, said method comprising:
(a) causing at least one processor to execute a plurality of
instructions stored in at least one memory device to operate with
at least one input device to receive a wager from a player for a
play of a game; (b) after receiving the wager, causing the at least
one processor to execute the plurality of instructions stored in
the at least one memory device to determine a plurality of playing
cards for an initial player hand for said play of the game from a
virtual deck of playing cards; (c) prior to displaying the
plurality of cards of the initial player hand face-up, causing the
at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions
stored in the at least one memory device to operate with the at
least one input device to enable the player to place a first
supplemental wager; (d) causing the at least one processor to
execute the plurality of instructions stored in the at least one
memory device to operate with at least one display device to
display the plurality of cards of the initial player hand face-up;
(e) if the player places the first supplemental wager: (A) causing
the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions
stored in the at least one memory device to operate with the at
least one display device to display a set of possible draw cards
face-up from the virtual deck of playing cards; (B) causing the at
least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions stored
in the at least one memory device to operate with the at least one
input device to enable the player to designate a quantity of the
playing cards of the initial player hand to replace; (C) if the
quantity of designated playing cards to replace is at least one:
(1) causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of
instructions stored in the at least one memory device to form a
second player hand by replacing designated playing cards
individually from the set of possible draw cards associated with
each dealt card position; (f) if the player does not place the
first supplemental wager: (A) causing the at least one processor to
execute the plurality of instructions stored in the at least one
memory device to operate with the at least one input device to
enable the player to designate a quantity of the playing cards of
the initial player hand to replace; and (B) causing the at least
one processor to execute the plurality of instructions stored in
the at least one memory device to form the second player hand by
replacing the designated playing cards with draw cards from the
virtual deck of playing cards; (g) causing the at least one
processor to execute the plurality of instructions stored in the at
least one memory device to determine a rank of the second player
hand; (h) causing the at least one processor to execute the
plurality of instructions stored in the at least one memory device
to determine any awards to be provided to the player based on the
rank of the second player hand and according to a pay table; and
(i) causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of
instructions stored in the at least one memory device to cause any
determined awards to be provided to the player.
2. A method of operating a gaming system, said method comprising:
(a) inputting data associated with a primary wager through at least
one input device; (b) executing a plurality of instructions stored
in at least one memory device through at least one processor to
operate the play of a game; the play of the game comprising the
steps of: (i) displaying a plurality of playing cards face-up for
an initial player hand for said play of a game from a virtual deck
of playing cards on at least one display device; (ii) displaying at
least two replacement cards face-up from the virtual deck of
playing cards for at least one playing card of the initial player
hand, each of the at least two replacement cards associated with
the at least one playing card of the initial hand; (iii) indicating
playing cards from the initial player hand to hold and playing
cards from the initial hand to replace; (iv) discarding the playing
cards of the initial hand indicated to be replaced; (v) replacing
the at least one playing card of the initial hand with one of the
at least two replacement cards associated with the discarded
playing card from the initial hand to form a final hand; (vi)
comparing the final hand to a plurality of outcomes from a table of
outcomes; and (vii) providing a payout in accordance with a payout
amount assigned to the winning outcome if the final hand matches a
winning outcome from the table of outcomes.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the replacing the at least one
playing card of the initial hand with one of the at least two
replacement cards associated with the discarded playing card from
the initial hand is random.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the payout amount assigned to the
winning outcome if the final hand matches a winning outcome from
the table of outcomes is a multiple of the primary wager.
5. The method of claim 2 further comprising: inputting data
associated with a supplemental wager through the at least one input
device as a condition to displaying the at least two replacement
cards for at least one playing card of the initial hand.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the supplemental wager is wagered
subsequent to the display of the initial playing hand and the at
least two replacement cards for at least one playing card of the
initial hand.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one input device for
wagering the supplemental wager is made inactive if the initial
hand does not match one or more supplemental wager outcomes from
the plurality of outcomes from the outcome table, the supplemental
wager outcomes including one, none or all of the winning
outcomes.
8. A method for playing a game comprising: receiving a wager from a
player to play the game; dealing a first plurality of face-up cards
from a deck to make a card hand; dealing a plurality of possible
replacement cards, at least two of the replacement cards in a
position associated with one of the cards in said first plurality
of face-up cards, the plurality of possible replacement cards
comprised of any cards remaining in the deck; selecting one, none
or all of the first plurality of face-up cards to discard;
replacing any discarded face-up cards with one of the cards from
the plurality of possible replacement cards; and determining a
poker hand ranking of the card hand.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the game is played on a video
poker machine.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein prior to selecting one, none or
all of the first plurality of face-up cards to discard one or more
of the highest possible poker hand rankings are displayed to the
player.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein the game is played at a live
table.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Slot machines and video poker games are a form of gaming
well known in the art. Video poker machines commonly deal 5 cards
and let the player decide whether to replace some or all to improve
the hand. It is common to offer bonus games, alternative wagering
methods and other variations to entice players and generate more
play.
[0002] To help with the understanding of the present invention the
following terms may be used interchangeably, but shall not be
considered limiting of other equivalents: [0003] Bonus=feature
[0004] Initial cards=deal or dealt cards [0005] Machine=device
[0006] Outcome table=list of hands, symbol combinations or events
usually associated with a pay schedule [0007] Pay schedule=pay
table [0008] Possible replacement cards=associated cards [0009]
Processor and memory device=computer or controller [0010]
Replacement cards=draw or drawn cards [0011] Wager=bet.
[0012] Generally the steps in video draw poker are (1) wager and
receive a 5-card hand dealt randomly from a standard 52-card deck,
(2) discard 0-5 cards and draw any replacements, (3) evaluate the
final 5-card hand against a pay schedule to determine a win or
loss.
[0013] Many variations of poker exist such as Three Card Poker,
Seven Card Stud, Texas Hold'em and Pai Gow, which are dealt,
wagered upon and won in different ways. While these games are well
known in the art, there are always new variations popping up. Many
popular video poker games today offer multipliers that multiply
final hand awards depicted in the pay table.
[0014] Sigma's Sneak Peek Poker.TM. was a video game made in the
1990s that showed the first draw card with 100% certainty, but
without respect to position. That is, no matter which deal card/s
were replaced, this "sneak" card would be drawn next. This game
suffered from only knowing one draw card at a time, which was often
inadequate to assess strategy for the overall hand. Further, many
times this made the game less fun, because frequently it confirmed
losers by eliminating winning possibilities. For example, if the
sneak card were of the clubs suit, you knew you could not make your
dealt hand having 4 hearts into a winning flush.
[0015] In U.S. Pat. No. 7,993,191 to Evans, et al, a gaming system
is described where a player may, commonly in exchange for a
6.sup.th credit wager, view the next draw card like the Sneak Peek
Poker.TM. game. This patent goes on to let the player replace this
sneak card with yet another card for a 7.sup.th credit wager. While
this offers some benefit over Sneak Peek.TM., it suffers from the
same one-at-a-time method and more so by requiring extra steps that
slow the game down. A new hand reevaluation, player decision and
selection step must take place with each new reveal card. Even if
the extra costs (or in some cases reduced returns) to play are
acceptable, poker players are notoriously opposed to slowing the
game down, and so are game operators. Further the odds are that
another sneak card still won't help.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 7,056,206 to Aoki requires a special deal
card, which may be replaced multiple times. Aoki teaches this
special card, such as a Black Wizard card, is predetermined and may
be replaced more than once from a sequence of replacement cards.
Aoki's special card is strictly predetermined at the card level by
definition and claim. When decided at deal time this trigger is
unaffected by hand outcomes and other events, such as how a card is
used or played, that might make the game more interesting.
Accordingly such special card is often irrelevant to the hand.
[0017] Like Sneak Peek.TM. and Evans' game Aoki game also suffers
from the one-replacement-card-at-a-time method, which precludes a
single overall strategy and that may require multiple round/s with
more steps that slow the game down. Aoki also lacks a mechanism
where his special card is at a position important to the hand or
that is relevant or desirable in the first place, a serious
weakness.
[0018] In application number 20110165926 to Hall his poker game
reveals the 2.sup.nd to next draw card. This is a curious game with
limited appeal or practicality.
[0019] In application number 20120004022 to Berman (related to U.S.
Pat. No. 8,016,656) his complicated methods all require
time-consuming and one or more additional step/s for players to
first "select a desired replacement hand" before drawing.
[0020] None of the prior art gives you a comprehensive preview of
all possible replacement cards initially and at once, in an
elegant, easily understood and commercially viable manner. In the
prior art an overall strategy is often impossible, because you have
limited information at one time. More information comes only in
dribs and drabs. These inefficient methods require one or more
extra rounds of evaluation, decision making, committing more
credits, making selections and/or other steps that dramatically
slow down play which both players and operators are known to
dislike. That is, with a one-at-a-time next card reveal method the
player must reassess the hand each time and make the decision
whether to continue or not. Next comes another physical step, at
minimum, pressing another button each time. These extra rounds slow
down play. Moreover there is rarely or never a limitation on which
hands qualify for the one-at-a-time next card reveal feature, so
these slow extra rounds may be inherent each and every play.
[0021] The present invention offers advantages over the prior art
and overcomes their problems. The present invention provides a
system and method for card games such as draw poker and other
gaming activities typically with a replacement draw that provides
better information about what's to come, while using preferred
traditional cards and preferably drawing all at once to keep play
fast. Thus the present invention is a marked improvement over prior
art methods and systems.
SUMMARY
[0022] Several embodiments are described in the present disclosure
that relate to a gaming system having or applicable to a 5-Card
Draw Poker game, and methods of operating and playing such a game
on a gaming device or at a gaming table. Embodiments are described
having a feature where the player may view a selection of possible
replacement cards and/or bonuses prior to drawing. With better
information player strategy is improved as are the odds of
obtaining better hand outcomes. Although 5-Card Draw Poker is
illustrated in examples below, it should be appreciated the
embodiments are not limited to such and may include other video or
non-video card based games, table games and other symbol
replacement games including, but not limited to, slot machines.
[0023] In one embodiment a gaming system is provided having a
5-Card Draw Poker game where 2 additional cards are associated with
each dealt card, such additional cards comprising possible
replacement card/s for each of the 5 positions in the initial deal
hand. Such association is commonly effected by displaying such
additional cards adjacent to (often immediately above) each of the
5 initial deal card positions in a smaller form factor. If an
initial dealt card is discarded it is replaced with 1 of its 2
associated cards, usually on a random basis.
[0024] In some embodiments to compensate for the player advantage
of knowing possible replacement cards, the game may be funded at an
additional cost, by lowering the average expected payout, by
requiring an additional wager at any point in the game, or by any
combination. This invention may also be inherent or offered as a
bonus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment whereby a dealt 5-Card Draw
Poker hand (10) is depicted with a row of 15 possible replacement
cards (20). Enticing possible replacement cards (30) are the ace of
diamonds and ace of clubs.
[0026] FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment where a dealt 5-Card
Draw Poker hand (40) is shown with 10 possible replacement cards
(50). Two cards are associated with each deal card position.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a common 5-Card Draw Poker pay table for the
game Jacks or Better. Awards shown are returns for a 1 credit
bet.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a common 5-Card Draw Poker pay table for the
game Double Double Bonus Poker. Awards shown are returns for a 1
credit bet.
[0029] FIG. 5 depicts a 5-Card Draw Poker game screen with hand
assist (60).
[0030] FIG. 6 shows a pat hand that may be improved by drawing.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a manner of providing
a poker game in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0032] A primary embodiment for a gaming system having a draw poker
game invention is described that reveals a set of possible
replacement cards prior to drawing.
[0033] A common question video draw poker players ask is, "Are my
draw cards just dealt in order, or are they already preselected and
behind each deal card already?" It doesn't matter statistically how
the replacement cards are selected (or programmed), as long as they
are random. But this shows players are keenly interested in how
their draw cards are chosen. The present invention satisfies this
interest with a compelling new play method.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment referred to herein as Sure
Poker.TM. a 5-Card Draw Poker variation begins with a standard
5-card hand dealt randomly by the gaming system device face up from
a traditional or virtual deck of 52 playing cards. Ten card backs
are displayed above the hand representing 2 possible replacements
for each of the 5 deal cards. If the player qualifies with a dealt
winner listed upon a pay table then the card backs are overturned
and 10 face up cards are displayed in their place, which are taken
from the remaining 47 cards in the deck. The player then chooses
how to play the hand (that is, which cards to hold and which to
replace) with the extra knowledge of what replacement cards are
possible for each deal card position. Finally the player draws 0-5
replacement cards, each selected randomly with an equal 1 in 2
chance from the set of 2 associated with each deal card, and the
final hand is evaluated against the pay schedule as in normal
5-Card Draw poker.
[0035] With more particularity with respect to this 5-Card Video
Draw Poker embodiment, the gaming system, upon receipt of a wager,
deals a set of 5 playing cards from a virtual deck of 52 common
playing cards on a display. If the 5 dealt cards comprise a winner
as defined by the pay table or otherwise, then the system displays
10 additional cards taken randomly from the set of 47 cards
remaining in the deck, said 5 dealt cards having been removed from
the deck and not replaced, and distributes these additional cards
in associated positions adjacent to the deal cards on a 2 for 1
basis, such that 2 replacement cards are displayed to the player
directly above each of the 5 originally dealt card positions,
commonly at a reduced size. The player, by way of an input device,
commonly buttons or a touch screen, chooses which of the 5 deal
cards to hold, if any, and which to discard and replace, which may
be the default if an automatic hold feature is enabled, and if any
are chosen for replacement and upon the player choosing to draw
then 1 of 2 associated cards are randomly selected to replace each
discarded deal card, and the gaming system displays a new hand to
the player comprised of any dealt cards not discarded, and any
newly selected additional cards to comprise a final 5-card hand.
The gaming system or device evaluates such final hand against the
pay table and awards the player, typically by adding credits to the
player's credit meter.
[0036] The extra information knowing possible draw cards in advance
is a compelling advantage to the player. As shown in FIG. 1, albeit
with 3 associated cards per deal card, the player is dealt with
2-pair, aces and sevens which might be held drawing only the
non-paired card in a try for a full house. Here, however, holding
only the pair of aces is obviously the best strategy, because
possible replacements for the pair of 7s include the other 2 aces
in the deck (30). There is a 1 in 9 chance then of obtaining 4 aces
by discarding and replacing both 7s (1/3.times.1/3=1/9, or 1 in
9).
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a hand that would not normally be drawn
to except for the present invention. All 5 cards in a pat hand such
as the dealt spade flush pictured would normally be held using
optimal strategy. However, in this example the hand cannot be made
worse by drawing to the 8 and 2 and in fact has a 25% chance of
being made a much higher paying royal flush.
[0038] This method supports an additional bet or higher cost to
play for the same return. Other versions may simply take from the
customary pay schedule resulting in a lesser expected return.
Commonly draw poker requires a bet of 1 to 5 credits per hand. This
method may require a minimum bet of 6 or more credits, yet pay
awards upon a maximum of 5 credits, with any credit difference
comprising an ante bet or additional bet that is required to enable
the feature. Greater bets are generally preferred by operators, who
profit on a percentage basis.
[0039] In another embodiment referred to as Sure Play Poker Double
Time.TM. card faces may be superimposed or replaced with values,
multipliers or other indicia. If a card superimposed with a
multiplier is drawn, then the card may be used in the player's hand
and the multiplier applies to any final award or to final awards
that use such card in the winning hand combination (if, for
example, it is on one of the Aces in a final hand of 4 Aces). If a
multiplier is drawn instead of a card, the multiplier may apply to
the final hand, but without replacing the original deal card in
that position, or it may be used in another satisfactory
manner.
[0040] In an alternative embodiment possible replacement cards are
not assigned to deal card positions, and any associated card may be
drawn to any deal card position.
[0041] In another variation the initial and final hands need not
consist of 5 cards, but may constitute a 7-card hand or hands or
any other number.
[0042] In another embodiment there is but a single draw card
offered at one or more deal card positions.
[0043] In another the draw card reveal trigger is optionally a
dealt winning combination, where only cards used or not used in
certain or preferred winning combinations are offered
replacement/s. For example, if the deal hand is A
-A.diamond-solid.-3-4-10 then only the 3-4-10 positions may be
offered a draw card and, depending on the game, the A
-A.diamond-solid. may or may not be held automatically.
[0044] The present invention may be implemented as Sure Play.TM.
Texas Hold'em game at a live table having local or remote
opponents, or as a video opponent game or video game played against
a pay table with the salient features of the present invention
applied to the flop or at any time.
[0045] Texas Hold'em is well known in the art. Usually players post
an ante, and 2 cards are dealt to each player face down from a
standard deck of 52 playing cards. In a pre-flop bet round players
can call, raise or fold. After this round the dealer burns the top
card to prevent cheating and flops the next 3 cards face up upon
the table, which may be used in any player's hand as community
cards. The betting process repeats as 2 more community cards are
dealt, and finally a showdown occurs and best 5-card hand wins.
[0046] As an example using the present invention with Texas Hold'em
any pending player or community card/s may be previewed from a
subset of cards remaining in the deck. For example, in a live or
virtual table game after the pre-flop betting round, the top 6
cards from the deck may be displayed by a suitable means, any 3 of
which will be selected randomly and dealt in the flop. This preview
radically alters the game, some players will be encouraged to stay
in the game longer, and after the preview but before the actual
flop there is opportunity for an extra round of betting.
Supplemental wagers may be required at any time, such as flop, turn
and river. Thus the preview feature adds interest and excitement
and possibilities for larger pots, while the integrity of the game
rules, awards and play mechanics are preserved.
[0047] Other alternative embodiments include: [0048] 1. Activating
the present invention with or without an additional bet. [0049] 2.
This invention may be activated or enabled only as a bonus feature
and not every play. [0050] 3. A variable number or partial set of
associated draw cards are options. The set of possible draw cards
may number 5, 10, 15 or any number. [0051] 4. The set of possible
draw cards may be taken from the remaining cards in the current
deck, from multiple decks, or from another deck with or without
replacement. Duplicate draw cards may or may not be possible.
[0052] 5. Possible draw cards may not include traditional playing
cards at all, but may simply be bonuses such as multipliers or
other things of value, detriment or blanks. [0053] 6. The set of
possible draw cards may or may not be matched, assigned or
associated with deal cards. That is, 15 possible draws may simply
be extracted from the remaining cards in the deck as a subset and
not assigned to specific deal card positions. Odds of any
particular draw may or may not be an equal 1 in 15. Any card
selections--deals, draws or other--may be weighted with various
probabilities and drawn in unequal proportions. [0054] 7. Any cards
may be selected by use of another means, such as through the use of
a wheel, a shooting means or by way of another bonus feature.
[0055] 8. Draw cards may be priced and bought. [0056] 9. This
invention may be used with other games. As with many other games,
in Go Fish a player may benefit from knowing in advance a reduced
set of possible draw cards as opposed to simply any or all cards
remaining in the deck. [0057] 10. This invention may be used in
stud poker and other games where previewed card/s are not
replacement draws, per se, but rather are a set from which any
dealt or subsequent playing card/s come from. This may be useful
for bet and fold decisions among other things. [0058] 11. One or
more draw cards may be revealed each game, or triggered by another
game aspect such as a dealt Queen of Hearts or prior game event,
and not only upon a winning deal. Making the reveal trigger random,
a dealt 3-of-a-kind (1 in 47) or 3-of-a-kind or better (1 in 35) is
also an option. Less frequent bonus hands may be a good choice for
games with embedded multipliers, more complex strategy games
(including those with 3 or more possible draw cards per dealt card
position), or to keep costs to play low while retaining a suitable
profit margin for operators. [0059] 12. The draw card subset or
number of cards revealed may vary in number or type from game to
game, or card position to card position. The type of card/s may
change from playing cards to multipliers to wild cards to credits
or any combination at any time. [0060] 0.13. The draw cards may be
shared over multiple games played in a collaborative or competitive
fashion and drawn down or shared. The set of replacement cards to
draw from may vary from player to player. In a draw-down
embodiment, 3 possible replacement cards may be taken or used 1 at
a time by 3 players, such that the 3.sup.rd or last player has only
1 draw possible. [0061] 14. Only selected draws may be revealed, if
for example, only possible replacements for the 2.sup.nd deal card
position are displayed. The number of deal cards for which previews
are shown may number any by rule, game outcome, player action or
otherwise. [0062] 15. This invention may be used in multi-hand
games where draws are the same or different in multiple hands.
[0063] 16. A separate or additional game may be played within the
draw cards, if, for example, drawing 3 sevens pays a bonus. Or, the
subset of draw cards may comprise or be part of a separate hand,
blackjack hand, keno numbers pool, 3-card poker hand, numbers
selection or other gambling game. [0064] 17. One or more possible
replacement cards may be added to the number of cards available to
form the final hand (or comprising the final hand), such that the
best final hand may be made from 6 or more cards, instead of 5. Or,
any number of hands may be made having the same or different pay
schedules. [0065] 18. In some games or variations a draw card may
be used at more than one position at the same time, or drawn more
than once. Cards drawn may be replaced to the deck. [0066] 19.
Dealing cards and drawing replacement cards may be done by separate
calls to the RNG, or all or any cards offered or selected may be
preselected by a single RNG call or otherwise. [0067] 20. In Texas
Hold'em flop, turn or river draws may be previewed. A subset of
remaining cards in the deck may be displayed and drawn from in any
manner consistent with the present invention.
[0068] Number of Possible Replacement Cards. While the number of
draw cards may be any, and may even vary within the same game or
hand, it's usually 2 or 3 per deal card. Three offers more possible
combinations, but takes more thought to evaluate. To help players a
new "hand assist" feature may be employed. When draw cards are
revealed better possible hand/s are displayed in text or otherwise
indicated, for example, by highlighting them on the pay table. In
the text example, "Jacks or Better: Possible 3 of a kind, 4 of a
kind", Jacks or Better is the current hand and 3 of a kind or 4 of
a kind are better possible hands given the draw cards. While in
some embodiments hand assist is only practical with a limited
number of cards to draw from, else nearly all hands are always
possible, it may be very useful to make sure you don't miss an
important combination. See FIG. 5.
[0069] Gaming System. A gaming system may be designed to achieve
any number of objectives, but at its core is a system for managing
game play upon gaming devices. A gaming device or system provides
support for displays, inputs, controls, and features of a
traditional gaming device. It may be configured with different
displays or enclosures for player comfort, aesthetics, game
enhancements or to serve other purposes.
[0070] Gaming devices and systems may be controlled remotely or
locally. This invention may be practiced in various configurations
for gaming machines or systems where instructions for controlling a
game are computerized and are provided with the gaming device
originally, by way of a downloadable system where computer
instructions are sent to a gaming device by a data network, or
both.
[0071] Central Server-Remote Execution. In one embodiment
computerized instructions for controlling a game is executed by a
central server, controller, or remote host. In such a central
server remotely controls any game/s and the gaming device is used
to display such games and interface with the player.
[0072] Central Server-Local Execution. In another embodiment the
computerized instructions for controlling any games are transmitted
by way of single or multiple communications from a central server,
controller, or host to a gaming device or system's local processor
and memory devices. The local processor then executes the
instructions to control any game or interfaces.
[0073] Processor. In one form a gaming device has at least one
microprocessor and microcontroller. It may or may not have special
purpose integrated circuits. The processor operates to exchange
signals with at least one data storage or memory device.
[0074] Memory. In another form the processor and the memory device
are in the cabinet of the gaming device. The memory device stores
program code and instructions to control the gaming device. The
memory device also stores other data such as accounting meters,
images, events, player inputs, random or pseudo-random number
generators, pay table data and game rules.
[0075] The memory device may have random access memory:
battery-backed non-volatile RAM, and, optionally, magnetic and
other forms of RAM. Read only memory, flash memory and EEPROM are
also common to achieve the various objectives of operation and
security as is common in the art. Other suitable optical, magnetic,
or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction.
[0076] Code Storage--Local and Remote. Executable program code may
reside locally, and/or in a detachable or removable memory device.
Alternatively software, firmware or hardware instructions may be
downloaded to the memory device.
[0077] Remote Play. In another embodiment an operator or a player
can use another memory device to operate, enable or play games on a
personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a portable
computing device such as a laptop, or other electronic computer
platform. In another embodiment the gaming system or device
disclosed works over a wireless network. Here the gaming machine
may be a hand-held device, a mobile device, or similar wireless
device that lets a player play remotely.
[0078] Randomness. In another embodiment the gaming system or
device randomly generates awards or game events based on
statistical probabilities that may be determined by a random number
generator. Randomly determined outcomes may in fact be
predetermined, truly random, pseudo-random, weighted, constrained
or otherwise. Generating outcomes thusly, a specific award or game
outcome may never be achieved within a relevant game cycle.
[0079] Bingo. In another embodiment the gaming system or device is
played as a bingo game. A bingo server calls one or more bingo
balls which correlate to game outcomes.
[0080] Finite Pool. Some gaming system embodiments contain a fixed
number of outcomes. As these outcomes occur, the gaming device
system removes them from the finite pool and they are not available
to occur again within the current pool. This sort of gaming device
system usually defines the number of outcomes at onset and so
assures the actual number of wins and losses over the play cycle of
a given pool.
[0081] Player Bet Data & History. The gaming device has a
credit display that shows a player's current number of credits,
cash, account balance, or similar data, along with a bet display,
the amount wagered, and optionally a player tracking display having
personal player tracking information and preferences.
[0082] Displays. In another embodiment the gaming system or device
includes one or more display devices controlled by the processor
and connected physically, wirelessly, or over a data network with
the gaming device. The secondary display device may show a primary
game, a secondary game or related data such as that for operations,
data recording and tracking. These display devices may also
advertise within the gaming operation. Said display may function as
or comprise an output device.
[0083] Display Device. The display device might be a monitor or
CRT, LCD, LED, plasma display or other medium serving the same
purpose. Displays may be touch-screen operated and controlled, and
be any size or form factor such as a square, a rectangle or circle.
Images may be projected, reflected or holographic. The display
devices of the gaming device are set up to show game images,
symbols and such including static, dynamic or animated objects such
as mechanical, virtual, or video reels, wheels, playing cards,
special effects, movies, persons, places or things and text. The
display device may be a mobile display, such as upon a PDA or
tablet PC to show at least part of the primary, secondary or
auxiliary game or system functions at a remote location.
[0084] Player Card Readers. In another embodiment a player may
insert an identification card or smart card into a card reader of
the gaming device. An identification card or smart card is encoded
with a player's identification, credit data, and other relevant
information. In another embodiment, a player may carry a portable
device, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag,
or other similar device, to communicate such information to the
gaming device. Money may be sent to a gaming device by way of
electronic funds transfer or similar transmission. Upon player
funding, the processor determines the amount of funds entered and
shows the corresponding amount on the credit or other suitable
display.
[0085] Payment Device. In another embodiment a payment device
communicates with the processor. A payment acceptor includes a
ticket or bill acceptor where the player inserts paper money, a
ticket, or voucher and/or a coin slot where the player inserts
currency, coins, or tokens. In other embodiments, payment devices
may be comprised of validation mechanisms for credit cards, debit
cards, credit slips or vouchers.
[0086] Input Devices. The gaming device has at least one input
device communicating with the processor. The input device is
commonly a game activation device, such as a play button for the
player to initiate a new game or sequence of events on the gaming
device. Sometimes on funding the gaming device plays automatically.
More commonly game play is activated when the player presses a play
button. A touch-screen may function as an input device.
[0087] Service Button. An input device may be a service button. If
equipped, pressing this button sends a signal to call an attendant
for personal assistance at the device.
[0088] Bet Buttons. An input device may be a bet button. The player
places a bet by pressing a bet one button. The player may increase
the bet by one credit each time which decreases the number of
credits shown in the credit display and increases the number of
credits shown in the bet display. A convenient bet max button may
let the player bet the maximum wager on the gaming device without
multiple button presses.
[0089] Cash Out Button. A cash out button acts as an input device.
Cash out may start a sequence of events to distribute a cash
payment of remaining credits or equivalent things of value.
Sometimes when the player cashes out, a payment device, such as a
ticket, payment, or note generator issues a ticket or credit slip
to the player, for redemption by a cashier cage or kiosk. It used
to be that cash out prompted such payment in terms of coins or
tokens in a coin tray. Any payout mechanism such as refunds back to
the player's smart card may be used.
[0090] Touch-screen. Another input device is a touch-screen having
a touch-screen controller or sensitive overlay to let players
interact with displayed images. A touch-screen and controller are
connected to a video controller for a player to make decisions and
input signals into the gaming device by pressing the touch-screen
at various locations. A newer input device is a touch-screen button
panel. The gaming device may also have multiple communication ports
for communication of the processor with other peripherals, such as
external displays, expansion buses, other games, disk drives,
keypads, joysticks, pull handle switches, etc. Sound generating
devices may also be controlled by sound cards working in
collaboration with the processor. Players may control volume and
audio equalizer functions by touch-screen.
[0091] A/V Devices. In another embodiment, audio/video operation
includes a sound generating device with speakers for issuing sound
and music that accompanies and/or enhances various modes of the
gaming device. Movies may accompany or represent critical functions
of the gaming device. Attractive messages may entice potential
players to the gaming device, which may be highly customized.
Gaming machines may also have a camera working with the processor
or independently to take a player image from the gaming device or
from an area nearby. Said camera may obtain stills or video images
in digital form or otherwise, and may be rebroadcast to the player
during a game, and/or used for security, marketing or other
purposes.
[0092] Game Options. Gaming devices may have any wagering or
non-wagering game as the primary or base game. The gaming machine
may have some or all of the features of conventional gaming
devices. The primary or base game may comprise any suitable
reel-type game, card game, lottery game or other game of chance
conforming to any computerized representation or implementation,
including table games, including those that produce an outcome
based on probability data and a wager. Any number of cards may be
used or played as in 3-card poker or 7-card poker games. The system
may also be used to operate live table games with or without live
dealers, games played against the house or other opponents whether
real or virtual, and playing at the same table, other tables or
remotely. The system may also be linked to other systems and
devices for various purposes such as to facilitate game play using
automatic playing card shufflers or viewers. Many different
wagering games and methods well beyond 5-Card Video Poker may be
implemented.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0093] The gaming system described leads to better hands through
better decision making. The preferred embodiment shows the possible
draw cards for specific card positions in your deal hand. Many
advantages are clear.
[0094] Player advantages. Players like more information, and this
invention addresses a popular question, namely, "How is my draw
card found?" Players benefit by having a reduced set to draw from,
which reduces uncertainty and clarifies strategy. Knowing you may
or may not fill your royal flush on the draw is a good thing to
know. It also adds to the fun of the game, because if you are dealt
four cards to a royal, for example, and you see your needed fill
card is a real possibility you have reason to be excited! Since, in
the preferred embodiment, the Sure Poker.TM. feature is active only
with winning hands, the positive nature of the game is always
assured. You already have a winner, after all.
[0095] Operator advantages. Since most game operators profit from a
percentage of the wager, they stand to gain here directly, because
this invention commonly requires a greater bet. Even if the bet is
unchanged, operators still gain if it's popular and played more.
Even if not operated for profit, this invention may be sold and
more popular games sell more units. Games using this invention may
also be made available on a lease, fee or other basis.
[0096] Developers. This new method has many commercially-viable
implementations, which provide more options for developers and many
derivative game titles. The feature may comprise a game of its own,
or be used as a feature in other games. It is compatible with many
existing table games, mobile games, internet games, casino games
and others.
[0097] Other advantages. The preferred embodiment overcomes
inherent problems in Sigma's Sneak Peek Poker.TM. and similar prior
art games by showing a plurality of possible draw cards and not
just the next card. Here overall game strategy may be decided with
a single player decision and no extra button presses.
[0098] The present invention is typically enabled at multiple card
positions at the same time as opposed to the next-card-only method
of Sneak Peek.TM. and similar games. This gives the player better
information on which to base an optimal strategy, while retaining
plenty of chance elements to keep it fun. Game speed stays high
because of a single player decision round just like in regular draw
poker. Moreover if triggered by winning hands only, time-consuming
losing hands that would draw more replacement cards on average play
normally, saving time. Sure Poker.TM. grants this benefit of
greater knowledge without discouraging play. Using dealt winners as
the trigger means all you can do is improve your hand, because you
already have a winner to start with!
[0099] The following advantages refer generally to a preferred
embodiment where the Sure Play.TM. feature is initiated or
triggered upon any dealt winner as defined by the pay table in a
5-Card Draw Poker game, although other triggers, games and pay
tables are anticipated.
[0100] A great advantage is this invention does not in most
embodiments require any extra steps over standard 5-Card Draw
Poker. That is, players simply choose any hold cards and draw
normally. There are no extra selection steps or button presses that
would slow down play that poker players and operators dislike. Thus
Sure Poker.TM. offers an elegant implementation that plays easily,
intuitively and fast.
[0101] In fact since many accomplished and professional video poker
players already play as fast as the gaming system allows the
present invention offers them a new strategic challenge in a
delightful way, since Sure Play.TM. provides more perfect
information.
[0102] In the J -Q -K -K-K.diamond-solid. hand dealt and
illustrated in FIG. 2 the usual optimal strategy for a common pay
table as in FIG. 3 is to keep the 3 Kings. But in this example
holding the hearts guarantees a flush, and there is a 50% chance at
a straight or royal flush! It's easy and intuitive to play.
[0103] In the preferred embodiment the Sure Play.TM. feature is
always a good thing--it can only make your winning hand better.
Bigger winners naturally result when you have better information as
to how to play your hand.
[0104] A key advantage of using a reveal trigger such as upon dealt
winners is that non-winning deal hands are unaffected. Such losing
deals draw more replacement cards on average than winning deals.
The more cards drawn, the more potential card combinations to
consider and, in general, the more time it takes to evaluate. Since
about 80% of deals are losers, game play may be slowed down if all
hands showed a plurality of possible draw cards. The preferred
embodiment practices an elegant solution to this problem.
[0105] Sure Play.TM. offers a striking and attractive visual
presentation.
[0106] Sure Play.TM. plays naturally. It's easy. There are no extra
steps or selections. Choose your hold cards and draw as usual.
[0107] Sure Play.TM. adds a brand new fun factor. When you see the
cards you want and know you have a good chance to get them, it's
worth sharing with friends! Such sharing may be accomplished by the
gaming system over data networks involving social media platforms
or otherwise.
[0108] Sure Play.TM. simplifies strategy. In 5-Card Draw Poker
about 20% of hands are dealt winners. The vast majority of these
draw 3 cards or less. Drawing 3 cards from 47 remaining has
>16,000 combinations. But there are only 8 ways to draw 3 cards
when each dealt position has only 2 associated replacement cards
and only 27 ways with 3. This simplifies decision making and keeps
play fast.
[0109] Sure Play.TM. appeals to novices, casual players and pros
alike. The present invention may have special appeal to novice
players and may even be used as a training tool.
[0110] Sure Play.TM. does not alter randomness. It simply reveals
the next cards in the deck.
[0111] Sure Play.TM. resolves many common conflict hands (where the
best strategic plays yield roughly equal expected values) whether
to go for one hand or another. Referring now to FIG. 6, even pat
hands, those where you would normally hold all 5 cards, may be
improved!
[0112] Sure Play.TM. is unique in draw poker and overcomes problems
with prior art games that require extra steps or selections to see
and/or utilize possible replacement cards, a big downside.
[0113] Sure Play.TM. increases the expected value of winners. Some
popular games do this by awarding random multipliers or rewarding
certain hands such as flushes. But here this is accomplished
without altering the pay table by making better hands in the first
place!
[0114] Sure Play.TM. works as a single hand game, multi-hand game,
or multiple bonus game where a plurality of bonus features may be
combined to offer more compelling games and drive greater bets
[0115] Sure Play.TM. does not change player goals, it simply makes
winning hands better. You still want the same hands in rank order
or as dictated by a pay table.
[0116] Strategy changes are limited in a good way. You cannot lose
unless you choose to throw a winner away.
[0117] Sure Play.TM. has important advantages over prior art games
such as Sneak Peek Poker.TM. and others that reveal only one card
or one card at a time. Here you commonly have a winner to begin
with and multiple possibilities are revealed instead of only 1
definitive and often demoralizing next card.
[0118] Sure Play.TM. is especially valuable in certain games that
pay extra for achieving hands in a predetermined order, because
possible replacement cards are usually specific by deal card
position.
[0119] In summary Sure Play.TM. offers a gaming system with a
unique preview that gives players more specific information on
which to base hold and discard decisions in games like 5-Card Video
Poker, leading to better hands of higher average value. The Sure
Play.TM. system has many compelling advantages, not least of which
is its superiority over prior art preview games that offer less
valuable information and that operate in clumsy ways that slow down
play.
[0120] This disclosure is provided to allow practice of the
invention by those skilled in the art without undue
experimentation, including the best mode presently contemplated and
the presently preferred embodiment. There are numerous variations
falling within the scope of the invention. Any subset or
combination of the above methods, player selections, means or forms
of wagering or paying, finding winners and losers and/or displaying
or otherwise presenting selections, associations or outcomes may be
used. This invention may be employed with any combination of games
or options including, but not limited to, bonuses, random or
mystery awards, multipliers, progressives, other games, player
skill components, other features, side bets, wagering or play
methods and may be practiced competitively or collaboratively. This
invention may be employed in whole or in part, or itself as a
bonus, add-on or otherwise in conjunction with new or traditional
gaming devices, methods or systems. Thus, these and all embodiments
described should be viewed as illustrative, rather than limiting.
Nothing in this disclosure should be taken to limit the scope of
the invention, which is susceptible to numerous alterations,
equivalents and substitutions without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be
understood from the appended claims.
* * * * *